Chapter 6 - Revelations
November 22, 2020 - Survivor Series Day
Rebecca
I don't think I've ever shed this much sweat in my life. I am so damn nervous about this. I can't believe I'm gonna do it today.
"Ya know, I love having you at work with me again, but I'm still not one hundred percent comfortable with you traveling when we're so close to the due date." Colby was right to be concerned about little Roux. She was so close to popping out, and I should know better. Hell, I don't even know how I was able to convince Colby to let me come to Survivor Series tonight. But I had to…
"I know, I know. It's a big risk, but hey, if something were to happen, I'd be here with you, right?"
"That is true. But I would just feel better if we were home with the hospital bag, fully prepared for our little girl's arrival." "Our" little girl...oh Colby…
"I feel fine and haven't had any contractions in a long while. You'll get your wish." He responded with a laugh as he fine-tuned his outfit for the men's RAW vs SmackDown opener.
"So confident. I love it." I hate to admit it, but his words there made me blush and flex a bit. "I mean, I'm not gonna be in the ring for too long, so you'll see me again real soon."
"About that...how the hell is Vince fine with you getting out of the match pretty much scot-free?"
"I just explained to him how I wasn't...comfortable working with Riddle yet. I proposed this sacrifice idea that would work great for my character and get me some heat. Win/Win for everyone!"
"So...comfortable is totally not just another word for "still not interested" in working with Matt?" I challenged Colby on the spot. All he let out was a nervous cackle. "I'll take that as a yes."
"You know me so well." He replied with some snarking undertone.
"Please don't tell me you're still bothered by some crap his wife said LAST YEAR." Colby took a glance at me with a stone-cold look and looked back at the mirror. "Oh my god, you are."
"Please babe, I don't wanna talk about this anymore."
"Come on, Colb. It's old news, and it was childish trash talk. It's no big deal." I argued. If ya don't know what I mean, here's a long story short. About November last year, Riddle's wife made a body-shaming Instagram post directed toward some of the ladies on the roster, myself included. Everyone agreed that it was just childish and an obvious attempt at clout chasing. We all shrugged it off, and it even got deleted. But Colby didn't like it, and it seemed to have left a bad taste in his mouth when it came to Matt.
"Honey, please...let's not get heated over this." He finally ditched the mirror and sat down next to me. "I really enjoyed us being open to each other again after these past few weeks. Let's not mess with that, please?" He held my hand and caressed it. I admit it was nice to take it easy and be comfortable around Colby again...but lord knows how long that will last tonight…
"Ok, fine." I gave in. "But listen...after your match, there is a talk we need to have."
"What about?"
"It's something extremely important. I can't say anything now before your match. All I can ask is that we do this...please." I don't think I could have made it more apparent how serious this was. Colby looked at me with worry and wonder, but quickly became stern.
"Ok, you got it. Whatever it is...we can gladly talk about it." My god, I wanted to cry. Not just because of how understanding he was right now...but because I know afterward... I won't see that again.
"Thank you." Is all I could say right now. Colby was moving in to kiss me; but…
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Excuse me, Seth? Vince needs you at gorilla!"
"Be right there!" Talk about being saved by the boss. "Let's see what the boss wants with me. You'll be fine here alone?" Colby's sweet side was back as he asked with care. It was nice to see again.
"I'll be fine! Maybe I'll say hi to the ladies for a bit." Colby nodded off and closed the door. As soon as it was clear, I carefully eased myself off the couch, grabbed my mask, and stood by the door for a bit. I took a deep breath and grabbed hold of the handle. I had to find Joey.
Joey (A few minutes ago)
Today couldn't have been more perfect to have a locker room all to yourself. I was warming up like never before. Stretch after stretch, shadow punch after shadow punch; I wanted to feel the fire that was lit under my ass tonight. Why, do you ask? Because It was finally Survivor Series day; one of the legendary big 4 PPVs in WWE...and like always, I plan to bring my A-game tonight. Just like I did before my match with Corbin a few weeks back, I have no intention of giving off even A HINT that I have any ring rust in me.
"Feeling good, big man. Let's do our thing!" I grabbed my mask and left to get right to work.
Survivor Series this year wasn't just all about RAW vs. Smackdown, today was a special day for a man that is very important to me. This man played a very important part in my career in more ways than one. He is my real-life hero, my main influence for becoming a WWE superstar, my mentor, and most importantly, one of my closest friends in life. Today marked 30 years of Mark Callaway, a.k.a. The Undertaker in the WWE...as well as the day he finally and officially retires. The company wanted to go all out to celebrate the Dead man's day. All the important players in the game that played a part in Taker's career were present in the building. Aside from myself, it was everyone from The Godfather, Savio Vega, The Godwinns; all the way to Big Show, Mick Foley, The Kliq, Ric Flair, and Jeff Hardy. We all were present and scheduled to come to the ring to pay tribute to the Phenom later tonight.
"Excuse me, Joey?" Our social media guy caught up with me with a cameraman. "We're in the process of filming a new episode for "The Day of" series, and we're getting some words from everyone on how Undertaker impacted their careers. We'd love to get some words from you for the episode."
"Say no more, dude. Let's do it." We all moved to a more spacious part of backstage where we can set up. "So, are we playing this like usual?"
"Yep! Let's just get set up." As I waited for the boys to set up, I took a gander around the backstage area...and a certain someone caught my eye coming from one of the halls...we immediately locked eyes with each other, causing my heartbeat to speed up. It was Becky. I didn't think she'd be here tonight, so close to her due date! We quickly waved to each other with excitement. No surprise, she was looking so beautiful...but... I'm just shocked she's here.
"I'll be with you in a minute!" I mouthed and motioned, pointing at the camera crew. She nodded and stood where she was, waiting for me.
"Alright, Joey. You ready?" My attention was diverted back to the crew.
"Let's do this!"
"Alright. The Day of Survivor Series 2020. A man that needs no introductions, Joey Kennedy. Let's cut right to the chase, Joey. In your words, what kind of impact would you say the Undertaker has made on the careers of many superstars from past to present? Yourself included."
"It is no secret that Undertaker has made a hell of an impact on my career. I've always credited him as one of the main reasons I wanted to become a WWE superstar. Over the years I've been here, whether he's inside the building or not, he's always been an amazing mentor and a great friend; not just to me! But to everyone who has had the honor and pleasure of ever working with him. Everyone knows how experienced he is and the many years he's dedicated his life to this business. If he talks to you and wants to give you advice, you take that advice and run with it. So yeah, his impact on everyone in the WWE is, without a doubt, monumental."
"You've been in the ring with the Undertaker on many occasions over your career. Some as a tag team and some as opponents; of course the most famous encounter being your Hell in a Cell match with Undertaker at WrestleMania 32. Can you describe what it is like to step into the ring with the Phenom?"
"Aw, man. Elating, memorizing, unworldly, Those are just three of many words I could use. It is truly something special when you are in the ring with Taker; as well as just seeing him in the ring from the outside. It's his presence. A presence he's always had that demands your attention and respect. No matter who you are or how many times you've seen him, you're always awestruck when the Dead man comes around. That goes double for me, for sure; no matter how long I've known him and worked with him. Even when you are his opponent and he throws down with you. When that bell rings, it is truly a fight. It is brutal. You are gonna get beat down. But if you want to prove you can hang with the Dead man and make a name for yourself, you have to take the hits and dish them right back."
"And...CUT!" And just like that, they got what they needed. "That was beautiful! Those were some great words, Joey!"
"Always happy to contribute! Got me emotional over here, y'all!" We all shared a laugh, but there was no faking or overselling those feelings. I'll always be grateful for what Taker has done for me since I walked into WWE.
"Thank you so much for that! Just a heads-up, we most likely will be recording everyone when it's time for Taker's segment tonight. No problem with that on your end?"
"Of course not! But I gotta go! Happy filming!" I felt so relieved to put my mask back on and have some "me" time again. I'm always happy to contribute to whatever the company has in production...but right now? I had someone more important here to spend my time with.
I finally looked back at Becky and started to make my way toward her. She was still standing where she was, waiting for me to finish being filmed. Even behind a mask, I could see she was shining that ever so lovely smile of hers.
"You really are full of surprises lately, huh? I didn't think you'd be here!" I opened with as I went in for a hug.
"As I said, I wanna make sure you're always on your toes! Haha!" She opened up, and we fully embraced in a nice but careful hug. "Aw, I heard everything you said about Taker. You spoke so heavenly about him."
"Believe me, girl, I will NEVER have anything bad to say about him. I owe so much to him for all that he's helped and contributed to my career. I'll always be grateful." Talking more about how grateful I am for Taker made me start becoming emotional again.
"Aww, you really were getting emotional! Oh, Joey!" Becky said as she hugged me; sarcastically cheering me up. Ugh...woman, please!
"Don't you dare tease me! I don't need that right now!"
"I swear I'm not!" I looked down and gave her the only "oh really?" look. "Ok, maybe a little."
"A little, my ass." This woman...she'll always find a way to tease me no matter the situation. But the hearty laughs together? Still always worth it. "So holy hell! What brings you by, girl?"
"Well...to BS a little, I wanted to be here to show some love to my boys and girls for the show tonight!"
"That's nice...and I do appreciate that! But that couldn't have been done over the phone? You really have to put you and little Roux in danger like this?"
"Oh, don't start that again. Colby already dug into me about that earlier!"
"Well, he was right to! I want you two to be as healthy as ever. Traveling when so close to the due date...ai dio..." I kept teasing on my own, but I did have to wonder why she was here tonight?
"I know, I know. It's a big risk, but... Joey?" She said my name in a more stern tone. She fully had my attention. "Do you remember what we talked about a couple of weeks ago on the phone?"
"Hmm, I remember your food being burnt and your photoshoot and…" Before I could finish, It clicked in my head. Here we are in person...she meant...THAT. "Oh!"
"Yeah. It's about that." I've been so hyped up about Survivor Series today that I honestly pretty much forgot about the talk with Becky. Then again, I wasn't expecting to see her today. "I'm sorry to cut the excitement down already. But I couldn't wait any longer." I felt my nerves start to tingle. What the hell did she want to talk to me about?
"Hey, hey. Take it easy." I put my hand on her arm, massaging it in an attempt to comfort her. "As I said on the phone, whatever it is, I'm sure it will all work out. We'll work it out."
Rebecca
Those words he just uttered. "We'll work it out." I just loved those words… He is just so compassionate and altruistic. I just really hope that doesn't change later…
"My god, you're wonderful!" I uttered; causing Joey to turn into his freaking cute blushing mess.
"Excuse me, guys. Sorry to interrupt, but Joey, almost showtime. Need you at Gorilla." ANOTHER stagehand getting in between me and my boys today.
"Sure thing! Just a moment!" Joey replied.
"Oh my god. That is the SECOND time today I get interrupted talking to my boys today. First, Colby, and now you! I swear you are DESTINED to be interrupted all the time in this business!" I have no idea where that rant came from, but it was getting annoying pretty quickly...but taking a look at Joey...made me want to start laughing...because he was just DYING of laughter. "Why are you laughing?!"
"Haha! I didn't expect that rant out of you! That was too good!" Once again, leave it to us to start laughing about stupid shit after getting deep and talking about important stuff. "But for real, I gotta go! But after the match, we'll meet up and talk!"
"Yes! Thank you, Joey. Really…" Joey just looked at me with his big brown eyes and smiled. He gently pulled me in closer to kiss me on the forehead and made his way to gorilla. I admit... I warmed up and wanted to melt. Please lord...let things go as smoothly as they can tonight.
Joey
No matter how many PPVs I've been a part of, the nerves will never go away. Here I am, a 20+ year vet standing in gorilla with the rest of Team SmackDown nervous. I know it's pretty much a normal thing no matter who you are, but damn, I just want to always be on my A-game and keep up with the others.
"Alright boys, let's do what we always do! Let's give it our all and give these people a show!" I shouted with the full intent to hype everyone up. The whole team shouted in full agreement. "Who's the best show?!"
"SMACKDOWN!" we shouted.
"My old man hearing is kicking in! ONE MORE TIME!"
"SMACKDOWN!"
Alright! Let's do this!" Jey's music blasted through the speakers of the arena. His entrance was the start of the chain reaction of the team making theirs. Following Jey was the order of Kevin Owens, Otis, Rollins, and finally myself as the captain. I had to give good props to Seth here for his character work. He was stone-cold dead in the face, showing no care for this match at all. He nailed that feeling of he did not want to be here; especially after losing to both Rey and Murphy back to back. In the eyes of the casual folk, you'd think someone called the Prince of Darkness or the Grim Reaper of WWE would be far from team captain material. But I've always wanted my character to be more complex than an evil bastard that destroys everyone in sight. It's a long story that I'd be glad to share another time.
Both teams of the match finally settled in their spots on the ring apron. RAW was on the top left side of the ring, while we in SmackDown settled on the lower right. Everyone was fully in character, ready to go. Jey was starting for us and AJ started for RAW...even though he was busy arguing with the rest of his team. In character, it seemed downright hilarious that the RAW team couldn't get along. It seemed like it would be easy picking for Team SmackDown.
"Alright, gentlemen. Are you both ready?" Our referee for the match, John Cone asked both Jey and AJ. They agreed without hesitation. "Alright! Ring the bell!" The match is on!
"Let's go, Uce! Bring it home!" I shout support for Jey as he wrestled with AJ. Thanks to their encounters in the recent past, both men have proven they have some solid in-ring chemistry together. I was proud of Uce for growing to be such a big part of SmackDown every week.
After a couple of minutes together, Jey forced AJ into our corner and tagged me in. It was my turn to whoop some ass. Jey Irish whipped AJ out of the corner towards my way. I grabbed a good hold of Styles and launched him over me with a belly-to-belly suplex, throwing him back into the RAW corner.
"Y'all really want a piece of me? DO YA?!" I talked some trash to the whole team, and it got them riled up.
"Relax! I got him!" AJ stated. Outside the ring, we are good friends that respect each other's work ethic and passion for wrestling. Inside the ring, we were two in-ring generals that always wanted to one-up each other. We made that very clear ever since our first in-ring encounter at WrestleMania 33. "You think you still got it in you, big man?"
"You're damn right I do!" We locked up and initiated a technical wrestling spectacle that lasted for a few good minutes. AJ was then able to force me to collide into the top right corner of the ring. He tried to set me up for the Phenomenal Forearm, but I saw it coming. As soon as Styles launched onto the ropes and was about to launch at me, I gave him a good punch to the mouth; knocking him down into the corner. I tagged Otis per his request, and it was perfect timing for me to have a breather. The heavy machine himself was able to keep up the offense on Styles, forcing him to finally tag Riddle in. The chaos just kept going as Otis got great offense on Riddle, tagged in Owens to dish out some damage, until the Original Bro finally tagged out for Sheamus. It looked like Kevin was ready to take on the Irish brute from Belfast, until…
"Kevin!" Rollins held out his gloved hand and called for Owens. He finally wanted to tag in, but with the Messiah's actions and demeanor lately, Owens and I were rightfully wary.
"What do you think, big man?" Kevin looked at me and asked. It was a tough call to make. Kevin was still fresh to go...but Rollins did seem like he was amped and ready to go. I feel like I'm gonna regret this, but…
"Tag him in!"
Rebecca
Although it's all for the show, I can't help but feel bad for the team with what's about to happen. Colby was face to face against Sheamus, Team SmackDown was audibly rooting for their teammate, it seemed like Seth was ready to prove himself as a worthy teammate after all. Boy, were they wrong…
"FOR THE GREATER GOOD!" Seth turned around and shouted those very words to the team, leaving them rightfully confused.
"Uhh...yeah. The greater good! For SmackDown!" Dear god, haha! I always love Joey's improve lines.
"Ooh boy! Here it is!" Colby turned back to face Sheamus and dropped to his knees. This was his way of getting out of the match. In other words, he was sacrificing himself for the greater good...and the team was audibly PISSED!
"Jey: What are you doing?! Come on, Seth!"
"Joey: Are you freaking kidding me?! HEY! I know you can hear me, you idiot! What the hell are you doing?! You get your ass up and you FIGHT! That is an ORDER!" Dear lord... I can tell that was improved, but I couldn't tell if that was in character or not. Joey screamed with such emotion towards Colby. All my fiancé did was look at Joey for a second and turned back to Sheamus. Oh, he heard ya, love. But he doesn't care.
"DO...YOUR...PART!" Seth demanded of Sheamus. He extended his arms out and welcomed being taken out of the match. My fellow Irish mate gladly accepted the offer, and brogue kicked the hell out of Colby.
"One...two...three! He's out!"
"NO!" Cone counted the pin and made it official. The first elimination of the match was Colby, and the team was FURIOUS! Everyone was irate. I was about to applaud the character work I was watching, but the action didn't stop just yet. In a flash, Joey jumped off the apron, reached into the ring, and pulled Seth out violently! He held him against the ring by the throat with full intent to punish him for his actions.
"You selfish son of a bitch!" Joey's words gave me goosebumps. A long-going trend with Joey's character was real simple but effective. You piss him off, you are gonna get the ass-kicking of a lifetime.
"Joey! Hey! Listen to me, man! He's a piece of trash! Forget him! We don't need him to win! We can do this!" KO stepped in between to reason with Joey face to face. The dark prince took a look at Owens, and then back to Rollins.
"He just saved your ass. Get the hell out of my sight! I see you again, YOU'RE DEAD!" Kevin was able to successfully reason with Joey. Rollins was free to go and make his way backstage. The SmackDown team was freaking out about this surprise. They quickly huddled up outside the ring to discuss a new plan...only to be surprised by Braun running around the ring to steamroll all of them! This match was not even 10 minutes in, and it's already going insane! I love it.
"Yeah! You get out of here, bro! Go on home to your girl and kid who's not even yours!"
"What…"
Joey
"...the fuck?!" I said quietly to myself. I was still laying down, selling the charge from Braun. But I saw Riddle with a live mic, pointing into the crowd area where Seth had exited with a shit-eating grin on his face. What he just shouted... I had to look at the boys to confirm it. They, too, heard it loud and clear and were visibly as confused as me.
"What the hell is he doing?" Owens looked at me and asked.
"He's gone rogue! What the hell is he up to?!"
"I don't know. Did you hear what he said?" Owens responded. I was still processing this in my head.
"Go on home to your girl and kid who's not even yours!" He's talking about Becky… That son of a bitch… He better not be suggesting what I think he is!
Braun was gonna pick me up to throw me back in the ring as planned, but I had to call a slight audible.
"Braun, Braun!" I managed to get his attention and bring him close to talk. "Go back in without me and trash talk the team."
"You're gonna tear him a new one, aren't you?" I didn't have to give any reason. Braun already knew.
"You're damn right. Just keep the attention on you for a few, then come back to bring me in." Strowman was a true trooper and ran back into the ring to brag to his team that's how you get it done. It looked like the cameras were all on Braun, like I wanted. Now was the time to dash for Matt.
"Matt, what the fuck is wrong with you?! I know you know better than this! What's wrong with you?!" I've been told before that I can be scary when I'm legitimately pissed off. On one side, I always felt bad that part of me scares people, but on the other side, I can gladly use this to my advantage in situations like this. Only there was a problem, Riddle still had a smug look on his face. He was unaffected... slowly making me confused.
"Haha! That's so funny! I could ask you that same question, Prince of home wrecking."
"Wha- Excuse me?!" What the hell did he just say to me?
"I know what you did, bro! Why hide it anymore?" The more Riddle talked, the more my brain was hurting with confusion. Where is this coming from?! I was about to speak again, but I was suddenly pushed aside by someone behind me.
"Get back in the match! I got this!" It was Rollins. He came back and pushed Riddle back by the commentary table to confront him. I wanted to know more about what that damn stoner was talking about (especially with Rebecca), but Seth was right. We had a match to finish. I signaled for Braun to come back to get me, and he immediately charged for me. He grabbed me by the head and forced me back into the ring, but before I got too far, I was able to make out Seth's words to Riddle. "Start talking, you son of a bitch!"
Back to focusing on the match, Braun was giving me those hands in the ring corner. He kept delivering one clobbering blow after another. I was able to muster up some resiliency and fight back. I returned some strong strikes of my own on Strowman. I was able to punch him away and retreat into my corner. Keith Lee tagged himself in...and oh man, I've been craving a singles match against this beast of a man ever since I first saw him. He truly is the real deal. I would have been more than honored to wrestle this man right now, but it wasn't meant to be. Otis tagged in and took control right now.
"Take it easy, cap! I got this!" This man really wanted to go against Lee. Big man vs. big man. I have to admit, this was intriguing.
"Go for it!" I gave Otis my blessing to give Keith the business. They initiated into a stare down while I was finally able to rest some more on the ring apron. "Get him, Otis!" All I could do was cheer the man on at this point.
I noticed Riddle finally joined the rest of the team, and I felt a tugging at my leg. I looked over my shoulder and saw it was Colby...looking as confused as I was earlier. I kneeled to see what he wanted. "What's up, man? Kind of a bad time."
"Joey, He told me...that Roux isn't mine. He said to ask you about that. What does he mean?" What...did I just listen to?! Roux isn't his?! Ask me?! What is going on here?!
"He said what?! Where the hell did he get that from?!"
"I don't know...but Joey, please...tell me the truth. Do you know anything about this?!" Please do not tell me... Colby is buying Riddle's crap. Please no…
"Dude, I...do not...know what he's talking about! Don't believe his shit! He's gone rogue! I have no idea where this is coming from." I couldn't sound more sincere than ever right now. All Colby did was nod in response...but he wasn't looking me eye to eye anymore. I wanted to be relieved...but I was just more concerned now...and angry. I turned away to focus on the match again, but Riddle's words were still racing through my head, triggering my anxiety. I don't know where this son of a bitch grew the balls to spew such shit about Becky and little Roux on live TV...but all I can say is this. He better pray I don't get my hands on him.
Rebecca
My heart… I can feel my heart racing like a horse. I can feel myself struggling to breathe. Why the hell did Matt say that?! ON LIVE TV?! My mind was a pure mess right now...but I could come to only one possible conclusion… he knows. But how? How could he have known? The only person besides me that knows my secret was Pam, and I highly doubt she would ever tell another soul about this. I paced back and forth in the room, trying to think. There was no way anyone could have found out, unless...
"Oh my god…" It came back to me. Last month, when I came to visit everyone on SmackDown, I was tending to little Roux after reading the DNA results. I was talking to my little girl about her father...and I heard a chuckle outside the door. "That bastard… It was him... He heard everything…" I felt my legs going numb under me. I quickly grabbed a chair and sat down facing the back of it. "Please tell me this isn't happening… Please tell me this isn't real." I just wanted to lie my head down on the back of the chair and just keep holding my tears back from falling…
*DOOR OPENS VIOLENTLY*
"Rebecca…" Despite the door being violently opened and slammed shut, I recognized Colby's voice. He had finally returned from the Thunderdome… and I didn't have it in me to look at him. As he walked closer to me, for the first time in my life, I felt...afraid. "You're crying… Why?" He noticed... and I couldn't bring myself to speak. I felt my throat dry up, making it more difficult to get a word out. "Don't tell me… Don't tell me you know what he's talking about… Tell me it's not true!" His voice got higher and louder with me. I just closed my eyes shut and still couldn't look at him. I felt the tears from my eyes getting ready to fall. My attempts to hold them back were failing. "Tell me! Is Roux really mine?!" I didn't have a choice. I couldn't sit in silence forever...
"No." I finally uttered something out...and I felt even more like shit. I heard Colby take a step back and start pacing. I saw him out of the corner of my eye, leaning against the wall. He was so heartbroken...so distraught. My heart couldn't take it.
"ARRRGHHH!" Colby screamed in pain. He started to punch the wall behind him.
"I was...going to tell…"
"SHUT UP!" That was the first time...he ever said that to me. I immediately closed up again with my face in my arms. "So let me take a wild guess! Joey is the father, huh?! You cheated on me...WITH HIM?!" Please...make this stop. "Ok... I see how it is." Colby finally stepped away from me and left the room. I wanted to finally catch my breath…but I barely could. I think I know what he was going to do...
"Why? Oh, god, why?" This was not how I wanted things to go at all. I know I fucked up, and I should get what was coming...but why? Why like this? Now he's gone...and I have a bad feeling I know where he's going. Please, Colby. Don't do it.
Joey
Things weren't looking so hot right now for Otis. Keith remained in charge of their mid-match battle and tagged Braun back in with full intent to bring the pain onto Otis. Our poor boy got shoved straight into the right hand of Strowman, who wasted no time staring down all of us.
"Got something to say? You scared?" Owens was the first of us to taunt.
"Keep walking, big man! Don't make me get back in there!" I followed up. We may have been down a man, but we have NO intention of backing down from anyone.
The match continued as Strowman kept beating the holy hell out of Otis in the RAW corner. AJ was tagged in to get some offense in as well, but it didn't take Otis long to finally fight back and tag Owens in.
"GET 'EM, KEVIN!" I shouted! Owens did just that as he brought the fight to Styles. He refused to give the Phenomenal one a chance to breathe and retaliate. Keith tried to intervene and help AJ, but was met with a stunner from Owens. The madness had truly begun as KO was just giving out stunners to the whole RAW team! He was on fire!
"LOOK OUT, KO!" Sadly, the fire was put out quickly as AJ dropped Owens with the Phenomenal Forearm.
"1…2…3! He's out!" Damn it! Another man down and RAW hasn't lost a soul yet. I've had enough of this. We had to take someone out and even the odds a little. I jumped into the ring as the new legal man and quickly primed AJ for one of my finishers in the Sit-out Last Ride. I was able to successfully hit it and pinned Styles down.
"Count it, Cone!" I screamed. We need this elimination...and now!
"1…2…" I was so close...but the pin was broken up by Strowman. The whole RAW team was coming in to stop me. Can't say I blame them…
"Alright, screw this." I started going beast mode on the whole team, handing out right hooks to Braun and Lee, caught Sheamus coming at me with a back body drop, and finally wanted to finish Styles with the Tombstone. I lifted AJ into position, but he still had some fight in him to struggle out, land on the apron, and knock me silly with a forearm. I knew what was coming...and I didn't have time to counter it. The second I turned back to face AJ, he was already in the air and connected the forearm; knocking my lights clean out.
"1…2…3!" And just like that, I was eliminated. All in character, I felt awful. I had let my team down. I couldn't take out anyone on RAW's team and help even things out at all. AJ got the better of me. But my real feelings? Aside from Riddle going off the script spewing disgusting lies, (which I still have full intention of confronting him about backstage later.) we made the best out of it and have been putting on a hell of an opener so far. I'm sure SmackDown fans won't be happy about how this match is looking, but personally? I'm damn proud of everyone right now.
AJ rolled me out of the ring to allow me to exit the Thunderdome. As he was, I noticed his face no longer was smug. He was donning a look of shock and confusion as he was looking past me. I was about to quietly ask what was wrong...but I was about to find out myself. I was startled by the sudden feeling of being pulled out of the ring. The next thing I felt... I couldn't believe it. I hit the padded floor hard and was being attacked. Not attacked for the show...but someone was legitimately punching me with the intent to harm me. I quickly held my arms up to my face for protection, as that was the main target. Who the fuck is attacking me while a match is going on?!
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Wait… that voice… Colby?! "YOU PIECE OF SHIT! HOW COULD YOU?!" My arms were up, but I was able to make out the figure attacking me. It was Colby. But...why?!
"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" I heard Braun yell and noticed him and Keith pulling Colby away from me. Staff from backstage finally came through the curtain to help them. I was still lying down on the ground, disoriented, confused...and barely able to breathe. I checked my face and confirmed it. I was losing a lot of blood from my nose and mouth. This man got some good hits on me, but still…
"Colby, what the fuck?!" I yelled back.
"I TRUSTED YOU, YOU BASTARD! I TRUSTED YOU!" Trusted me? What the hell was he talking about?! I couldn't get an immediate answer as staff was able to fully restrain Colby and get him out of the Thunderdome.
"Joey, are you ok? Are you alright?" My attention diverted to Keith and Braun, who were checking on me.
"No… I don't know what just happened." That couldn't be more true right now.
"Can you get up? You're losing a lot of blood there." Braun asked.
"Yeah, yeah. Listen, guys. I appreciate it, really. But get back to the match! Quick!" I dismissed the two to start heading backstage finally. Very risky of what those two just did...but I genuinely appreciated the concern.
"Mr. Kennedy! Here, take this cloth!" One of the staff came to me with a towel to cover my face and stop any bleeding. He assisted me on the way back through the curtain.
Finally, I made it back into gorilla, where I was met with stares from every soul in the room. You know that old saying of "the elephant in the room"? I felt like I was that elephant right now, and it was the most uncomfortable I've ever felt.
"Joey! Are you ok?" My eyes met with a soul who actually looked concerned. Our EVP of global talent, Executive producer of NXT, and a long-time friend of mine, Paul Levesque. Better known as Triple H.
"Hell no, I'm not! What the hell just happened?!" I wanted to keep my anger in check...but I found it to be an extreme challenge right now.
"I was hoping you could answer that for us." Paul answered as he was walking with me. I just wanted to sit down and not get weird looks from everyone.
"I wish I knew! What the hell was Riddle thinking, going rouge like that? And then, Colby is punching my face in?! What the f-..." My rage was starting to overtake me. I felt like I was starting to see red...but not enough to notice and appreciate Hunter's patience with me. "Be honest, how do I look?" I removed the towel to show my face off to Hunter. His reaction... I expected.
"I've seen worse on you...but it's pretty bad." Well...get what you asked for, right? "Listen, just so you know, we couldn't question Colby when he came back through. We tried. Then, when he came back, he was pissed. We tried to stop him from going back out there, believe me. I thought he was going to go after Matt, but... I didn't expect him to go after you." I could tell by Hunter's tone that he was telling me the truth. He tried to help as much as he could and was still left in the dark.
"I believe you. I'm still processing everything in my head. How pissed was Vince?" That question actually prompted a chuckle out of Paul.
"Heh. What do you think? He was boiling to the point you can see the steam coming out of his ears." Sounds like Vince, alright. Can't say I blame him. "I'm gonna level with you, Joey. This looks really bad on us. I'm gonna sit down with Matt and Colby and get answers from them, but I need your input. Do you have any idea what this is all about?" That right there was the million-dollar question. I sat up and finally went into deep thought. First, Riddle went rogue on the mic.
"Go on home to your girl and kid who's not even yours!" Just replaying his words in my head started to anger me again. How fucking dare he make spew such horseshit. But what made him say such a thing? It was enough to drive Colby into a mess. Speaking of...
"YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU PIECE OF SHIT! HOW COULD YOU?! I TRUSTED YOU, YOU BASTARD! I TRUSTED YOU!" Colby's words replayed in my head next. I get Colby being upset by Riddle's shit talk. But to rage like that… It made me wonder. Riddle saying Roux isn't his baby and pointing the finger at me, then Colby attacking and shouting at me...
"Oh, fuck…" I put all the pieces together...and a memory from earlier this year had resurfaced in my brain. Colby had found out...about me and Rebecca. Did Riddle find out? But how?! And that still leaves out the bab-... "Oh my god…" I felt my heart ready to die on the spot. The puzzle completed itself in my brain…
"Joey? What's wrong?" I heard Hunter talk to me, but I was locked in a daze. No… There's no way…
"I think... I figured it out." I couldn't say any more than that. If this is real… "Paul, I gotta go."
"Wait, what? What did you figure out?"
"I can't tell you. Not right now. Please... just let me go." I pleaded. Hunter looked at me with confused eyes.
"Well...what about your face? You're still bleeding, Joey."
"I'll get checked out, I promise. I'll see you later." I finally left Hunter and power-walked away.
I felt my anxiety get the better of me as I stalked the halls backstage, trying to find Rebecca's locker room. It had gotten so bad that there were points where I felt myself struggling to breathe properly. Then again, I'm not sure if that was because of my anxiety...or the punches from Colby taking their toll on me.
I felt the cold dead stares of staff locked on to me, but the small glares I gave in return sent a crystal clear message: do not fuck with me right now.
"Excuse me, Joey? Can we get-" I noticed Alyse Ashton coming towards me. I responded the only way I could right now.
"Fuck off!" Those two words were the only words I had prepared for those that approached me. I would feel bad for raising my voice at the new girl, but she actually had a mic and cameraman with her. She really wanted to interview me about this? Are you fucking kidding me? I could think of this all night, but it's something I'll have to save for later.
After enough walking, I finally found Rebecca's door. My anxiety was no different from before, but I knew I had to calm down. She was probably just as panicked as I am...maybe even worse.
"Deep breaths, man. Deep breaths." I said to myself as I did just that for a few minutes. I could feel my body finally loosen up, and my vision become more clear now. I had to take the chance now. I grasped the doorknob tightly with my bloody hand and turned it. "Please be ok."
I entered the room and immediately caught sight of Rebecca. She was leaning over on a chair with her face covered, clearly and audibly masking the tears of distraught. My heart was broken into several pieces for her. A part of me wanted to just run in and comfort her, but another part was hesitant to...but I had to know the truth. I had to hear it from her directly.
I slowly walked until I was in front of her and got down on one knee to face her eye to eye. Rebecca slowly raised her head to look at me with her glossy eyes and red face...and gasped.
"Oh my god... Joey… Your face…" She held her hand to my face, but I gently stopped it.
"I've had worse." Is all I could get out. I tried to smile for her… but I couldn't.
"Joey…"
"Rebecca... I'm not gonna yell. I'm not even angry or upset." My words could easily be laughed at, but they couldn't be more true. "But please...tell me the truth. I have to know… Is it true?... Is...she mine? Am I...Roux's father?" She took a deep breath and tried her best to compose herself...and finally spoke.
"Yes… Roux...is your daughter." My heart almost stopped again… I had to lean back against the wall to keep myself upwards. She said it… She confirmed it.
"My...daughter?" I struggled to repeat… Rebecca sniffled and just nodded her head. "But…how? I had a condom on…"
"It had to have broken. It's the only thing that makes sense." It does make sense...does it?
"Not to...ya know, sound like an asshole about this, but…how do you know Roux is mine?" Such a stupid ass question that would give Rebecca every right to chew me out and kick my ass, but she didn't. She actually chuckled.
"It's fine. Well, during one of my usual doctor visits earlier in the summer, Doc was checking how Roux is doing. He said something that didn't bug me at first, but it made my curiosity go mad."
"What did he say?"
"He said he was amazed how developed the baby was at such a stage. It was quicker than usual."
"And that alone made you question things, huh?"
"Yeah. I put two and two together, I thought that it couldn't have been from me and Colby. I know you don't wanna hear this part, but for the record, we first started trying before we started taping for Mania."
"You're right. I didn't need to know that."
"Well, too bad." I won't lie...that reply from Rebecca took me by surprise a little. "So I did all the math in my head when the first trimester started and when the conception really happened. And... I think you know when that was."
"Yeah. The Grand Hyatt party." Rebecca nodded in silence. "So, wait, how did you do this test without me knowing? You needed a sample from me to do it." She snickered at my question. Finally, somewhat of a smile on her face.
"Yeah, I may or may not have asked Pam for help with that by snagging a piece of your hair." She said in such a mixed tone of embarrassment and shyness.
"What?!" She snuck a piece of hair from me?! When the hell did this happen?! "How the hell did you two plan this? I haven't hung around Pam in a hot minute."
"Do you remember Pam ever asking for your brush?" Rebecca said sternly… It came back to me…
"That sneak! Both of you!" I was stunned. I remember Pam did ask me for a brush because she said hers broke on her. I thought it was weird she asked me specifically, but we were cool, so I didn't think too much of it. If something came from this discovery that was worthy of note, it was that Pam is a sneaky little devil, and another smirk was appearing on Becky's face. "So you got the paternity test. And it confirmed it?"
"Yep. 100 percent match." There was no arguing or rebutting a DNA test from a doctor. It was undisputed.
"My god…" I returned to a dazed state. I finally processed it all now...except for one fact now. "I have a daughter…" I said in great disbelief. I looked over at Rebecca again. "I'm...a father…" All the redhead did was nod, with a hint of a smile somewhere in there. Rebecca was one of the very few people that knew, deep down, I was ready to settle down and start a family soon. She knew I always wanted to be a father. Now...it has come true...but far from how I'd imagine it would happen.
"Joey…" Rebecca spoke again. "I am so sorry. I was going to tell you after the match, I swear. I was going to tell you and Colby and stop hiding this from you two."
"So... this is what you wanted to tell me about…" Rebecca only responded with a nod. "Well... I guess Riddle beat ya to the punch, huh?"
"That prick… I can't believe he was eavesdropping on me…" She said with such anger.
"Eavesdropping? What do you mean?"
"The day I came to visit last month? That was the day I got the DNA results. I was comforting Roux after getting so stressed, and I was talking out loud. During that time, I heard what sounded like a chuckle outside the door. There was no one there when I checked outside but…"
"It turned out to be Riddle." Rebecca nodded again, still donning her angered expression. "Asshole…"
"Please tell me you're not gonna go looking for him…" She asked with genuine concern.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about choking him out." There was no joking here. I would love to get my hands on that damn stoner.
"Don't. I beg you… Seeing Colby pull you out and start hitting you… It killed me, Joey." Rebecca started to cry… My god, I felt awful. I didn't think the cameras would catch that part. "Please… no more fights."
"Ok." I said as I gently grabbed her hand and caressed it. "I won't." We stared into each other's eyes again...looking for comfort in each other. But with the news bombshell that just dropped, things were...truly different now. Our secret is out. Rebecca and I had an affair...and she's carrying my baby girl… Things felt...weird now. "I should head to the doc and get looked at." I released Rebecca's hand and made my way towards the door to leave. "About...all of this, I need time to think." I bluntly told her...without even looking at her.
"I understand." She said as she sniffled. I didn't want to leave her like this...but I had to get looked at...and I really did need the time alone to think. I'm finally a father...but through such unconventional means. What am I gonna do now?